Hapoel Jerusalem Considered Signing Ex-Maccabi Player Vojin Gabrić
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Hapoel Jerusalem considered signing former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Vojin Gabrić but opted for Devonte' Cacok instead, following coach Saša Obradović's request. Austin Wiley also left the team, signing with Bayern Munich.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Jerusalem considered signing ex-Maccabi player Vojin Gabrić.
- Coach Saša Obradović requested the team pursue other options.
- Austin Wiley left Hapoel Jerusalem and signed with Bayern Munich.
- Devonte' Cacok was ultimately signed by Hapoel Jerusalem.
- Gabrić currently plays for Beşiktaş against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Hapoel Jerusalem considered signing former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Vojin Gabrić this past summer, but ultimately decided against it at the request of coach Saša Obradović. Gabrić, who currently plays for Beşiktaş, was one of four former Maccabi players on the Turkish team that defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
Jerusalem's front office was deliberating on their center positions earlier in the summer. Austin Wiley, who had a contract with Hapoel Jerusalem for another season with a EuroLeague exit clause, was considering leaving. He was close to signing with French club ASVEL, led by Tony Parker, but financial difficulties scuttled the deal. Hapoel Jerusalem waited for developments regarding Wiley and simultaneously attempted to recruit Gabrić, who had a contract with Bayern Munich but was informed he was not in their professional plans.
Wiley informed Hapoel Jerusalem of his decision to leave, and the club received a $500,000 buyout. Gabrić visited Israel for personal matters, and Hapoel Jerusalem representatives met with him. Discussions were held, and Gabrić expressed a desire to return to Israel. His financial demands were not an issue for the Jerusalem team, but due to disagreements within the professional staff, they decided to pursue other options, as requested by coach Obradović.
Ultimately, Hapoel Jerusalem signed Devonte' Cacok to a two-year contract estimated at $1 million per season. Jaylen Smith, a former teammate of Cacok's at Virtus Bologna, helped convince him to accept the offer. Wiley, after leaving Hapoel Jerusalem, signed with Bayern Munich, effectively replacing Gabrić there.